Paul Gavarni, A Shared Poultice \., Mid-19th Century, Lithograph

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Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 27. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 27. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist Paul Gavarni, from his renowned satirical series Impressions de Ménage ("Impressions of Married Life"). Published by Chez Panier, Rue du Croissant, Paris, and printed by Aubert & Cie, the series humorously explores the daily realities of bourgeois marriage with wit, psychological insight, and remarkable observational skill. This plate, entitled Un Cataplasme Partagé ("A Shared Poultice"), bears the subtitle Sympathie, économie ("Sympathy, economy"). The image depicts a figure resting in bed beneath heavy curtains, recovering from illness while a medicinal poultice—a common nineteenth-century household remedy—forms the central conceit of the joke. The subtitle encapsulates Gavarni's humour. On one level, the "shared poultice" suggests the sympathetic devotion expected between husband and wife, each willing to share the other's discomfort. On another, it satirises the practical economy of bourgeois households, implying that even medical treatments are shared to save expense. Gavarni gently mocks the domestic virtue of thrift, revealing how financial prudence could extend into the most intimate aspects of married life. Unlike many plates in the series that rely upon dialogue, this composition communicates almost entirely through atmosphere. The quiet bedroom, softly enclosed by the bed curtains, conveys both tenderness and mild absurdity. The restrained composition allows the viewer to imagine the unseen spouse and the humorous circumstances implied by the title alone, demonstrating Gavarni's confidence in suggestion rather than overt caricature. Condition: Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet displays light age toning, scattered foxing, faint handling marks, and minor edge wear consistent with age. There are a few light horizontal creases visible across the image, along with minor surface irregularities and slight staining, none of which significantly detract from the visual appeal. The lithographic impression remains rich and atmospheric. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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